Question 1

What does Job 42:17 mean?

Accepted Answer

Job 42:17 describes the end of Job’s life, saying he died at an old age and after a full, satisfying span of years. The verse marks a peaceful conclusion to Job’s story, showing that after his long trials, he experienced a long and complete life. This verse comes at the very end of the Book of Job, after Job’s fortunes have been restored and his relationships healed. The narrator is speaking directly to the reader, summarizing Job’s final years. The phrase “old and full of days” is a traditional way in the Hebrew Bible to express a life that has been both long and well-lived, suggesting contentment and completeness.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Job 42:17

Accepted Answer

“Old” (זָקֵן, zaqen) means advanced in years, emphasizing that Job lived to a ripe old age. This word is often used to show respect for someone’s wisdom and experience. “Full” (שָׂבֵעַ, saveaʿ) means satisfied or filled, often understood as having lived a life that was complete or lacking nothing important. “Days” (יָמִים, yamim) literally means “days,” but in this phrase, it refers to the length and fullness of one’s life. The combination “full of days” is a Hebrew way of saying someone lived a rich, complete life.

Question 3

Why Job 42:17 matters

Accepted Answer

Job 42:17 clears up any question about Job’s fate after his suffering, showing that he was not only restored but also lived a long and satisfying life. The verse echoes similar endings for other respected figures in the Hebrew Bible, placing Job among those who are honored for a life well-lived. This conclusion ties together the book’s themes of endurance, restoration, and the possibility of peace after hardship, giving closure to Job’s story.

Job 42:17 (KJV)